Two New Book Releases for 2014 by Bruno Gmünder

Bruno Gmünder, the international publishing house which caters to the LGBT community with books of fiction, non-fiction, photography and art, has updated two of its most popular titles this past month.

The Spartacus International Gay Guide 2014/2015, now in its 43rd edition, has been published, as has the Spartacus International Hotel Guide, now in its 13th edition. With the release of the new International Gay Guide, the Gay Travel Index, which ranks 138 countries by how gay-friendly they are, has also been updated and has been released online.

THE SPARTACUS INTERNATIONAL GAY GUIDE 2014/2015

If you’re traveling to another country and you want to know what gay life is like in the land you’re visiting, you will find this guide invaluable. Nearly all aspects of gay life are noted for 160 countries around the world. Over 21,000 gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses are listed, from hotels to beaches to information centers. Country and city maps are large and in full color, making it easy for the visitor to locate places that are friendly and safe for them. In addition, each country has an extensive description of not just cultural situations but also legal limitations. There are descriptions of gay life tailored for numerous cities as well. This 1300-page softcover guide can be purchased online via Amazon.com for $25.99 (discounted from the $32.99 list price).

THE SPARTACUS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL GUIDE 2014

This guide was inspired by the long-running International Gay Guide, with a strict focus on hotels, guesthouses and resorts that will make your gay vacation absolutely perfect. Unlike past editions, restaurant listings are no longer featured. Over 900 lodging listings are featured across 55 countries. Each listing is carefully vetted so you know that you’re getting the best advice. With extensive ratings and notes for each property, reading this guide is like having a friend help you pick your dream getaway. This 408-page softcover guide can be purchased online via Amazon.com for $19.18 (discounted from the $24.99 list price).

THE SPARTACUS GAY TRAVEL INDEX 2014

The Bruno Gmünder offices in Berlin keep tabs on LGBT rights throughout the world via Germany’s Foreign Office, the country’s embassies abroad, and reports from LGBT activists.

2013 was a year of momentous victories not just at the Supreme Court but also at the ballot box. As a result, the USA rose eight spots in the index to #30. Other English-speaking countries ranked higher: the United Kingdom at #2, Canada at #6, New Zealand at #10, while Australia, Ireland and South Africa tied at #21. Sweden ranked as the most gay-friendly nation yet again in 2013. Jamaica, Jordan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran were the five lowest-ranked countries in the index.

In the Gay Travel Index USA, Florida tied with Pennsylvania and Arizona, ranking 23rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia. The most gay-friendly states were California, Massachusetts and New York, as well as the District of Columbia; all four shared the top spot. Alabama and North Carolina were the least gay-friendly states as discovered in this index.